Best of Burning Man: Photos from festivals past

Published 7:00 am, Thursday, August 26, 2010

The Dreamer rises from the Black Rock desert during a dust storm at Burning Man 2005, Monday, August 29, 2005 on the playa. burnman2005
Chris Stewart / The Chronicle

The Dreamer rises from the Black Rock desert during a dust storm at Burning Man 2005, Monday, August 29, 2005 on the playa. burnman2005
Chris Stewart / The Chronicle

Photo: Chris Stewart

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People gather around the Trojan Horse at it is pulled across the "playa" at the Burning Man festival in Gerlach, Nev. on Friday, Sept. 2, 2011. (AP Photo/Reno Gazette-Journal, Andy Barron)

People gather around the Trojan Horse at it is pulled across the "playa" at the Burning Man festival in Gerlach, Nev. on Friday, Sept. 2, 2011. (AP Photo/Reno Gazette-Journal, Andy Barron)

Photo: Andy Barron, AP

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In this Sept. 1, 2011, photo, people gather at the temple built for the Burning Man festival in downtown Reno, Nev. The temple was hauled in pieces earlier this month on 20 flatbed trucks to the Black Rock desert, where about 140 volunteers from around the world helped with construction. The annual event -- marked by public art, self-expression and an eight-day experiment in community -- sold out for the first time in its history. (AP Photo/Reno Gazette-Journal, Andy Barron) NEVADA APPEAL OUT; NO SALES; MAGS OUT

In this Sept. 1, 2011, photo, people gather at the temple built for the Burning Man festival in downtown Reno, Nev. The temple was hauled in pieces earlier this month on 20 flatbed trucks to the Black Rock

In this Sept. 1, 2011, photo, people gather at the temple built for the Burning Man festival in downtown Reno, Nev. The temple was hauled in pieces earlier this month on 20 flatbed trucks to the Black Rock desert, where about 140 volunteers from around the world helped with construction. The annual event -- marked by public art, self-expression and an eight-day experiment in community -- sold out for the first time in its history. (AP Photo/Reno Gazette-Journal, Andy Barron) NEVADA APPEAL OUT; NO SALES; MAGS OUT

In this Sept. 1, 2011, photo, people gather at the temple built for the Burning Man festival in downtown Reno, Nev. The temple was hauled in pieces earlier this month on 20 flatbed trucks to the Black Rock

In this photo taken Sept. 2, 2010, burners greet the sun as it rises over Black Rock City, Nev. during Burning Man 2010. For one week out of the year, a portion of the Black Rock Desert is transformed into a thriving diverse city known as Black Rock City,the home of Burning Man. The massive Festival takes place on the barren remnants of Pleistocene Lake Lahontan, which is now commonly referred to as the playa.

In this photo taken Sept. 2, 2010, burners greet the sun as it rises over Black Rock City, Nev. during Burning Man 2010. For one week out of the year, a portion of the Black Rock Desert is transformed into a

In this photo taken Wednesday, Sept. 1, 2010, attendees admire Marco Cochrane's "Bliss Dance" during Burning Man 2010 in Black Rock City, Nev. The work has over 55,000 welds and was created in a system of pantograph modeling without the assistance of anydesign software. For one week out of the year, a portion of the Black Rock Desert is transformed into a thriving diverse city known as Black Rock City, the home of Burning Man. The massive Festival takes place on the barren remnants of Pleistocene Lake Lahontan, which is now commonly referred to as the playa.

In this photo taken Wednesday, Sept. 1, 2010, attendees admire Marco Cochrane's "Bliss Dance" during Burning Man 2010 in Black Rock City, Nev. The work has over 55,000 welds and was created in a system of

Gia Alam from San Francisco gets into the spirit of the Burning Man festival in Black Rock City., NV on September 4, 2009.

Gia Alam from San Francisco gets into the spirit of the Burning Man festival in Black Rock City., NV on September 4, 2009.

Photo: Frederic Larson, The Chronicle

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A performer spins a fire rope in front of the "Wheel of Thwarted Ambition" that also throws off sparks at Burning Man 2008.

A performer spins a fire rope in front of the "Wheel of Thwarted Ambition" that also throws off sparks at Burning Man 2008.

Photo: Frederic Larson, The Chronicle

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In this photo taken Sept. 1, 2010, participants perform a routine of strength and endurance Wednesday afternoon on the open playa during Burning Man 2010 in Black Rock City, Nev. For one week out of the year, a portion of the Black Rock Desert is transformed into a thriving diverse city known as Black Rock City, the home of Burning Man. The massive Festival takes place on the barren remnants of Pleistocene Lake Lahontan, which is now commonly referred to as the playa.

In this photo taken Sept. 1, 2010, participants perform a routine of strength and endurance Wednesday afternoon on the open playa during Burning Man 2010 in Black Rock City, Nev. For one week out of the year, a

Ayanna and Poseidon from San Diego together walk the playa in the afternoon at Burning Man at Black Rock, NV., on September 3, 2009.

Ayanna and Poseidon from San Diego together walk the playa in the afternoon at Burning Man at Black Rock, NV., on September 3, 2009.

Photo: Frederic Larson, The Chronicle

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In this photo taken Sept. 1, 2010, burners take to climbing the art installation, "Minaret." at the Burning Man 2010 Festival in Black Rock City, Nev. For one week out of the year, a portion of the Black Rock Desert is transformed into a thriving diversecity known as Black Rock City, the home of Burning Man. The massive Festival takes place on the barren remnants of Pleistocene Lake Lahontan, which is now commonly referred to as the playa.

In this photo taken Sept. 1, 2010, burners take to climbing the art installation, "Minaret." at the Burning Man 2010 Festival in Black Rock City, Nev. For one week out of the year, a portion of the Black Rock

Fireworks in front of the art piece, Crude Awakening, by Dan Das Mann, just before it is set on fire. Saturday night activities, the Green Man burns to the ground. Burning Man 2007. Photographed in, Black Rock City, Nv, on 9/2/07. Photo by: Michael Macor/ The Chronicle less

Fireworks in front of the art piece, Crude Awakening, by Dan Das Mann, just before it is set on fire. Saturday night activities, the Green Man burns to the ground. Burning Man 2007. Photographed in, Black Rock ... more

Photo: Michael Macor

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"Evil Ted" of Los Angeles, visits the artwok "Steampunk Treehouse" by Sean Orlando. A visit to the medical Center at Center Camp run by personnel from the Reno area. As the number of participants increases the need for more and more services such as medical care rises also. Burning Man 2007. Photographed in, Black Rock City, Nv, on 8/29/07. Photo by: Michael Macor/ The Chronicle less

"Evil Ted" of Los Angeles, visits the artwok "Steampunk Treehouse" by Sean Orlando. A visit to the medical Center at Center Camp run by personnel from the Reno area. As the number of participants increases the ... more

Photo: Michael Macor

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Burners are entertained by an amazing light show called The Cubatron Cone by Mark Lottor out on the Playa. Burning Man 2007. Photographed in, Black Rock City, Nv, on 8/31/07. Photo by: Michael Macor/ The Chronicle less

Burners are entertained by an amazing light show called The Cubatron Cone by Mark Lottor out on the Playa. Burning Man 2007. Photographed in, Black Rock City, Nv, on 8/31/07. Photo by: Michael Macor/ The ... more

Photo: Michael Macor

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A huge explosion set off a series of other fires that "burned the man" during the annual festival in Black Rock City., NV., September 5, 2009.

A huge explosion set off a series of other fires that "burned the man" during the annual festival in Black Rock City., NV., September 5, 2009.

Photo: Frederic Larson, The Chronicle

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In this photo taken Wednesday, Sept. 1, 2010, The "Honey Trap" art installation is shown during Burning Man 2010 in Black Rock City, Nev. For one week out of the year, a portion of the Black Rock Desert is transformed into a thriving diverse city known asBlack Rock City, the home of Burning Man. The massive Festival takes place on the barren remnants of Pleistocene Lake Lahontan, which is now commonly referred to as the playa.

In this photo taken Wednesday, Sept. 1, 2010, The "Honey Trap" art installation is shown during Burning Man 2010 in Black Rock City, Nev. For one week out of the year, a portion of the Black Rock Desert is

Burning seek the spirit of the man as it burns to the groud. Saturday burn night on the Playa. burning man - burnman2005
Event on 9/3/05 in Black Rock City. Mike Kepka / The Chronicle

Burning seek the spirit of the man as it burns to the groud. Saturday burn night on the Playa. burning man - burnman2005
Event on 9/3/05 in Black Rock City. Mike Kepka / The Chronicle

Photo: Mike Kepka

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Festivalgoers ride their bikes past one of the many installations calling attention to global warming Saturday at the Burning Man Festival at Black Rock City, near Gerlach, Nevada. Photo by Kim Komenich/The Chronicle less

Festivalgoers ride their bikes past one of the many installations calling attention to global warming Saturday at the Burning Man Festival at Black Rock City, near Gerlach, Nevada. Photo by Kim Komenich/The ... more

Photo: Kim Komenich

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Performing artists dance on the playa during a dust storm at the Burning Man festival in Black Rock City., NV on September 4, 2009.

Performing artists dance on the playa during a dust storm at the Burning Man festival in Black Rock City., NV on September 4, 2009.

Burning Man participants come to explore Ukronian, an art scuplture by artist, Jans Kriekles of Belgium. Daily coverage of the Burning Man festival in the Nevada desert. Photo by Carlos Avila Gonzalez/The San ... more

Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez

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Mo Murphy of Arcata, Ca at her first Burning Man. "Its like another planet out here. People can make their little fantasies come true here."
Enening on the playa at Burning Man. burnman2005
Event on 8/31/05 in Black Rock City. Mike Kepka / The Chronicle less

Mo Murphy of Arcata, Ca at her first Burning Man. "Its like another planet out here. People can make their little fantasies come true here."
Enening on the playa at Burning Man. burnman2005
Event on 8/31/05 ... more

Photo: Mike Kepka

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burningman_118_mac.jpg Mart Hough and Karen Boniface of Vancouver, BC relax in small pods near the perimeter of the Playa, in the early afternoon. Burning Man 2007. Photographed in, Black Rock City, Nv, on 8/31/07. Photo by: Michael Macor/ The Chronicle less

burningman_118_mac.jpg Mart Hough and Karen Boniface of Vancouver, BC relax in small pods near the perimeter of the Playa, in the early afternoon. Burning Man 2007. Photographed in, Black Rock City, Nv, on ... more

Photo: Michael Macor

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A hot air balloon sails over the playa at the Burning Man festival in Black Rock City., NV on September 4, 2009.

A hot air balloon sails over the playa at the Burning Man festival in Black Rock City., NV on September 4, 2009.

Photo: Frederic Larson, The Chronicle

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Lamplighter Adam Johnson of Atlanta leads the group. The Lamplighters make their way across the Playa lighting the way with lanterns along all paths that lead to the Burnng Man. Burning Man 2007. Photographed in, Black Rock City, Nv, on 8/29/07. Photo by: Michael Macor/ The Chronicle less

Lamplighter Adam Johnson of Atlanta leads the group. The Lamplighters make their way across the Playa lighting the way with lanterns along all paths that lead to the Burnng Man. Burning Man 2007. Photographed ... more

Photo: Michael Macor

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Fire dancers perform at sunrise in front of the temple at the Burning Man festival in Black Rock City., NV on September 4, 2009.

Fire dancers perform at sunrise in front of the temple at the Burning Man festival in Black Rock City., NV on September 4, 2009.

Photo: Frederic Larson, The Chronicle

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Fire dancers performed before the actual burning of man Black Rock City., NV., on September 5, 2009.

Fire dancers performed before the actual burning of man Black Rock City., NV., on September 5, 2009.

Photo: Frederic Larson, The Chronicle

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An art car cruises the esplanade on the playa late Monday night. Event on 8/30/05 in Black Rock City. Jim Merithew / The Chronicle

An art car cruises the esplanade on the playa late Monday night. Event on 8/30/05 in Black Rock City. Jim Merithew / The Chronicle

Photo: Jim Merithew

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Art cars can be seen shooting flames hundreds of feet up into the night during the Burning Man festival in Black Rock City., NV on September 4, 2009.

Art cars can be seen shooting flames hundreds of feet up into the night during the Burning Man festival in Black Rock City., NV on September 4, 2009.

Photo: Frederic Larson, The Chronicle

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A group of burners from New York huddle together to see the sunrise in front of the Temple at the Burning Man festival in Black Rock City., NV on September 4, 2009.

A group of burners from New York huddle together to see the sunrise in front of the Temple at the Burning Man festival in Black Rock City., NV on September 4, 2009.

Photo: Frederic Larson, The Chronicle

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Riko Geoiao from Sacramento, Calif., is one of the many faces who attended the Burning Man festival in Black Rock City., NV on September 4, 2009.

Riko Geoiao from Sacramento, Calif., is one of the many faces who attended the Burning Man festival in Black Rock City., NV on September 4, 2009.

Photo: Frederic Larson, The Chronicle

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Burning Man 2008, at Black Rock NV, on August 26, 2008.

Burning Man 2008, at Black Rock NV, on August 26, 2008.

Photo: Frederic Larson, The Chronicle

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Titled "Keynote" is a figurative piece made entirely of locks sits on the playa at Burning Man at Black Rock, NV., on September 3, 2009.

Titled "Keynote" is a figurative piece made entirely of locks sits on the playa at Burning Man at Black Rock, NV., on September 3, 2009.

Photo: Frederic Larson, The Chronicle

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A huge art car was exhibited on the playa of the 2008 Burning Man which was solely built for art not to drive at Black Rock NV, on August 26, 2008.

A huge art car was exhibited on the playa of the 2008 Burning Man which was solely built for art not to drive at Black Rock NV, on August 26, 2008.

Photo: Frederic Larson, The Chronicle

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The intermittent dust storms didn't keep festivalgoers from looking at the art on the playa Saturday at the Burning Man Festival at Black Rock City, near Gerlach, Nevada. Photo by Kim Komenich/The Chronicle

The intermittent dust storms didn't keep festivalgoers from looking at the art on the playa Saturday at the Burning Man Festival at Black Rock City, near Gerlach, Nevada. Photo by Kim Komenich/The Chronicle

Photo: Kim Komenich

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Both Diana Hayes of Monterey Calif., and her friend "Falco" (bottom) tries some acrobatics on the playa during sunrise at Burning Man at Black Rock, NV., on September 3, 2009.

Both Diana Hayes of Monterey Calif., and her friend "Falco" (bottom) tries some acrobatics on the playa during sunrise at Burning Man at Black Rock, NV., on September 3, 2009.

Photo: Frederic Larson, The Chronicle

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A colorful cube is one of several free standing art structure on playa at Burning Man at Black Rock, NV., on September 3, 2009.

A colorful cube is one of several free standing art structure on playa at Burning Man at Black Rock, NV., on September 3, 2009.

Photo: Frederic Larson, The Chronicle

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A sculpture spells out "mom" which sits out on the playa at the Burning Man festival in Black Rock City., NV on September 3, 2009.

A sculpture spells out "mom" which sits out on the playa at the Burning Man festival in Black Rock City., NV on September 3, 2009.

Photo: Frederic Larson, The Chronicle

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The Burning Man art structure looms over the playa just before sunrise over at Burning Man festival at Black Rock, NV., on September 3, 2009.

The Burning Man art structure looms over the playa just before sunrise over at Burning Man festival at Black Rock, NV., on September 3, 2009.

Photo: Frederic Larson, The Chronicle

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Chens and Jimmy (right top hat) from London dance the night away at Burning Man at Black Rock, NV., on September 3, 2009.

Chens and Jimmy (right top hat) from London dance the night away at Burning Man at Black Rock, NV., on September 3, 2009.

Photo: Frederic Larson, The Chronicle

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Photo: The Chronicle

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Burners seek shelter from a dust storm inside The Dreamer, which rises from the Black Rock desert at Burning Man 2005, Monday, August 29, 2005 on the playa. burnman2005
Chris Stewart / The Chronicle

Burners seek shelter from a dust storm inside The Dreamer, which rises from the Black Rock desert at Burning Man 2005, Monday, August 29, 2005 on the playa. burnman2005
Chris Stewart / The Chronicle

Photo: Chris Stewart

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A rocket ship plans to blast off this week is one of several art structures on the playa this year at Burning Man at Black Rock, NV., on September 2, 2009.

A rocket ship plans to blast off this week is one of several art structures on the playa this year at Burning Man at Black Rock, NV., on September 2, 2009.

Photo: Frederic Larson, The Chronicle

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Martin Toutonphi of Seattle watches the sun come up over the playa at Burning Man at Black Rock, NV., on September 3, 2009.

Martin Toutonphi of Seattle watches the sun come up over the playa at Burning Man at Black Rock, NV., on September 3, 2009.

Photo: Frederic Larson, The Chronicle

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Bob Dye, of Seattle hovers around the Man at dusk. "I'm like a release for a bad evil dream," he said wearing a scary clown mask.
Enening on the playa at Burning Man. burnman2005
Event on 8/31/05 in Black Rock City. Mike Kepka / The Chronicle less

Bob Dye, of Seattle hovers around the Man at dusk. "I'm like a release for a bad evil dream," he said wearing a scary clown mask.
Enening on the playa at Burning Man. burnman2005
Event on 8/31/05 in Black ... more

Photo: Mike Kepka

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This years theme for Burning Man is the "American Dream: and what better sign which is displayed on the playa then one similiar to the one ftom Las Vegas.

This years theme for Burning Man is the "American Dream: and what better sign which is displayed on the playa then one similiar to the one ftom Las Vegas.

Photo: Frederic Larson, The Chronicle

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Trace Love from Salt Lake City Utah spins fire while the sun rises over the Burning Man Festival.

Trace Love from Salt Lake City Utah spins fire while the sun rises over the Burning Man Festival.

Photo: Frederic Larson, The Chronicle

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Two burners play with their light swords at the Burning Man Festival in Black Rock City, NV., on September 3, 2009.

Two burners play with their light swords at the Burning Man Festival in Black Rock City, NV., on September 3, 2009.

Photo: Frederic Larson, The Chronicle

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"Burners" dance through a car wash complete with bubbles as thousands attend Burning Man at Black Rock, NV., on September 2, 2009.

"Burners" dance through a car wash complete with bubbles as thousands attend Burning Man at Black Rock, NV., on September 2, 2009.

Photo: Frederic Larson, The Chronicle

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Brian Decosse, 21, from "here and there," tries on his completed necklace while Heather Flikkema (cq), 26, of Seattle works on her own as Burners crowd the Necklace Factory at Burning Man 2005, Tuesday, August 30, 2005 on the playa at Black Rock desert. burnman2005
Chris Stewart / The Chronicle less

Brian Decosse, 21, from "here and there," tries on his completed necklace while Heather Flikkema (cq), 26, of Seattle works on her own as Burners crowd the Necklace Factory at Burning Man 2005, Tuesday, August ... more

Photo: Chris Stewart

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"Weena" wraps "burners" up in silk cloth on the playa at Burning Man at Black Rock, Nev, on September 2, 2009.

"Weena" wraps "burners" up in silk cloth on the playa at Burning Man at Black Rock, Nev, on September 2, 2009.

Photo: Frederic Larson, The Chronicle

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Burners watch the sunrise over the playa from atop "Portal of Evolution," a sculpture by Bryan Tedrick. More Burning Man

Burners watch the sunrise over the playa from atop "Portal of Evolution," a sculpture by Bryan Tedrick. More Burning Man

Photo: Frederic Larson, The Chronicle

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A art car slowly makes its way across the playa of Burning Man 2008.

A art car slowly makes its way across the playa of Burning Man 2008.

Photo: Frederic Larson, The Chronicle

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Fire dancers performed before the actual burning of man Black Rock City., NV., on September 5, 2009.

Fire dancers performed before the actual burning of man Black Rock City., NV., on September 5, 2009.

Photo: Frederic Larson, The Chronicle

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In this photo taken Wednesday, Sept. 1, 2010, Burners congregate around "The Temple of Flux," a spiritual place for many at Burning Man 2010 in Black Rock City, Nev. For one week out of the year, a portion of the Black Rock Desert is transformed into a thriving diverse city known as Black Rock City, the home of Burning Man. The massive Festival takes place on the barren remnants of Pleistocene Lake Lahontan, which is now commonly referred to as the playa. less

In this photo taken Wednesday, Sept. 1, 2010, Burners congregate around "The Temple of Flux," a spiritual place for many at Burning Man 2010 in Black Rock City, Nev. For one week out of the year, a portion of ... more